TOCCOA, Ga. — The Toccoa Police Department has announced a major break in the investigation regarding the “barricaded suspect” call that triggered a massive law enforcement response on US Hwy. 123 earlier this week.
In an update provided today, Police Chief Bruce Carlisle confirmed that investigators are following up on a “strong lead” and are currently in the process of serving a search warrant to positively identify the suspect.
Authorities now believe the fraudulent 911 call originated from the Texas area. According to Chief Carlisle, the individual responsible is suspected of perpetrating similar hoaxes in several other jurisdictions recently.
“We believe we will get the suspect identified and arrested soon,” Chief Carlisle stated.
Background on the Incident
The investigation stems from an incident on January 8, 2026, when law enforcement officers from multiple agencies—including the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, and the GBI—converged on a residence in East Toccoa. The response was triggered by a 911 report of a barricaded gunman holding hostages.
Officers established a perimeter and deployed snipers, shutting down traffic on Highway 123. However, after making contact with the lone male occupant of the home, police determined there were no hostages, no sniper rifle, and no threat, classifying the event as a “swatting” incident—a dangerous prank designed to draw a heavy police response to a victim’s home.
Police are continuing to work with external agencies to finalize the identification and arrest of the suspect.
